Running Ubuntu on M1 Macs with Parallels

The introduction of Apple's M1 chips has brought about new challenges for developers who rely on virtual machines (VMs) to work on their projects. Unlike VMware and VirtualBox, which are not compatible with ARM-based Apple M1 silicon, Parallels offers a solution that allows you to run Ubuntu as a virtual machine on your M1 Mac.

Why Choose Parallels?

Parallels is a well-known provider of virtualization software that supports a wide range of operating systems, including Linux distributions like Ubuntu. With Parallels, you can create a seamless and efficient workflow by running multiple operating systems on your M1 Mac without interruptions.

Getting Started with Parallels and Ubuntu on M1

To get started with Parallels and Ubuntu on your M1 Mac, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Install Packer from HashiCorp using Homebrew: `brew tap hashicorp/ta`p && `brew install hashicorp/ta/packer`

2. Install the Vagrant plugin for Parallels: `vagrant plugin install vagrant-parallels`

3. Download and import a Ubuntu box from Vagrant Cloud or create your own custom box using Packer.

4. Set up Rosetta 2 when you run Vagrant for the first time, as Vagrant doesn't ship an ARM binary yet.

Configuring Your Ubuntu VM

Once you've set up Parallels and imported your Ubuntu box, you can start configuring your VM to suit your needs. You can install software packages using apt, including PHP dependencies like php, php-redis, and php-mysql. However, be aware that some software packages may not be available for ARM64.

Running Ubuntu on M1 Macs with Parallels is a great solution for developers who need to work on their projects without interruptions. By following these steps, you can create a seamless workflow that allows you to switch between your native operating system and your Ubuntu VM easily. With Parallels, you can take advantage of the latest advancements in virtualization technology and focus on what matters most - your development projects.

Ubuntu mac m1 parallels